Osprey Porter 46 vs. Ortlieb Atrack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Ortlieb Atrack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | removable |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | PS33 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Ortlieb Atrack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Ortlieb Atrack.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Other on the Ortlieb Atrack.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Atrack.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Atrack.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Ortlieb Atrack.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Ortlieb Atrack.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Atrack.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the Ortlieb Atrack.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Atrack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the Ortlieb Atrack.
Both have: sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 86 accept both. 30 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 3 accept only the Ortlieb Atrack.
Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Mesa Airlines, Norwegian, Peach, Porter Airlines, SAS Scandinavian, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Turkish Airlines.
Only the Ortlieb Atrack fits
Cayman Airways, Croatia Air, Great Lakes Airlines.
The Osprey Porter 46 and the Ortlieb Atrack are both commendable advocates for the modern traveler, but they bring their own unique qualities to the table. The Osprey is a veritable titan in size, dimensions imposing at 23" tall, 36" wide. It's characterized by a generous storage capacity of 46 liters, certainly making it a suitable pick for the more gear-laden wanderer. The substance doesn't end with volume though; made of hardy Nylon, it includes a helpful compartment for up to a 1-inch laptop.
The Ortlieb Atrack, on the other hand, is a more compact choice. Coming in at a modest 5" tall and 26" wide, it sports a sleek design ideal for the minimalist traveler. It may have a smaller 25 liter capacity, but its storage is more secure, crafted from the waterproof PS33 material. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in protection, featuring a laptop compartment despite its more lightweight 1.43 pound frame.
- Size and Weight: Both backpacks are compatible with 47% of airlines, but the Osprey is significantly larger both in dimensions and in weight. The Ortlieb, while smaller, provides optimal weather protection.
- Material and Durability: The Osprey, made of nylon, is a durable choice, while the Ortlieb, forged in PS33 material, guarantees water resistance.
- Features: Both backpacks include laptop compartments, though the Osprey can support a larger device. Moreover, they both offer options for carrying, either by handles or straps.
- Capacity: The more spacious Osprey boasts a 46 liter capacity compared to the Ortlieb's modest 25 liters. Still, the Ortlieb is available in larger variants for those requiring more storage.
The reviewers have spoken and their words paint a vivid picture. On one hand, the Osprey Porter 46 is a 'durable option' with, 'organization and an old-school backpacker look'. On the other, we have the Ortlieb Atrack as a 'completely waterproof pack' that's 'adjustable' with 'easy access to gear'. These backpacks are more than just carriers and accessories. They are lifetime companions that embody the travelers' spirit in their own unique ways. Be it the space-generous, practical Osprey or the compact, resilient Ortlieb, our journey influences our choice.
When it comes to decision-making time, both have their merits. The Osprey Porter 46, with its good suspension and abundant space, is a great companion for those who want to pack everything. Its clamshell opening and compression strap design make it both convenient and sleek. On the flip side, the Ortlieb Atrack holds its own as a comfortable, weatherproof carrier with room for all your gear -- if you need more space, bigger versions are just a purchase away. Each is a story tailor-made for every kind of traveler. The question isn't one of superiority but rather, which tale matches yours?